WM Phoenix Open: Scottie Scheffler retains two-shot advantage with Rory McIlroy losing contact | Golf News

Scottie Scheffler shoots a three-under 68 on Saturday for a two-stroke lead after 54 holes on an extended day on the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona I Scheffler sits at 13 underneath, two strokes forward of Canadian Nick Taylor (67) and Jon Rahm (68) from Spain

Scottie Scheffler held on to a two-stroke benefit after the third spherical of the WM Phoenix Open because the defending champion seems to select up back-to-back wins in Arizona.

The American notched two birdies on the back and front 9, in addition to a solitary bogey on the par 5 thirteenth, en path to recording a spherical three underneath 68.

It was sufficient to carry Scheffler to 13 underneath for the event, two strokes forward of a crowded chasing pack.

“I did not give it some thought an excessive amount of,” Scheffler mentioned of defending the title.

“I am in place now. One thing I talked about at the beginning of the week was that I felt like I used to be on the surface on Sunday. To be within the last group with a two-stroke lead , I imagine, is unquestionably a place I need to be in. I am unable to wait to be in tomorrow.

About half the sphere needed to full their second lap on Saturday morning after play was suspended because of darkness Friday evening at TPC Scottsdale.

Canadian Nick Taylor and Spaniard Jon Rahm are scorching on Scheffler’s heels at 11 underneath, whereas Jordan Spieth and Adam Hadwin are additionally inside attain at 10 underneath.

“To be tied till 11 was a problem. I needed to dig deep to make just a few putts and proceed the spherical,” Rahm mentioned.

“I did not actually benefit from the few birdie putts I had. I had loads. In that streak of twos, threes and fours, I want I had just a few greater than me. “

England’s Tyrrell Hatton sits a little bit additional again, having climbed three locations within the standings with a second straight run of 67.

World No. 1 Rory McIlroy is tied for twenty eighth after carding an underneath 70 on Saturday.

Watch the WM Phoenix Open all through the week dwell on Sky Sports activities. Reside protection continues on Sky Sports activities Golf on Sunday from 4.30pm.